SRI AMAN: All local authorities in the country receive RM2.1 million each from the Housing and Local Government Ministry.
This was disclosed by the ministry’s political secretary, Nor Hizwan Ahmad, who attended “People’s Leadership Randau Programme” at Alia Kandis House at Quarry Lachau near here yesterday.
Hizwan said local government bodies such as district councils nationwide are allocated the money annually.
However, Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) and Sri Aman Municipal Council (MPS) also get their allocations, except that the amounts are different.
“Allocations are channelled directly to the local authorities such as district councils to prevent leakage. District councils receive the highest allocations due to their status,” he said.
He said the allocations were not strictly capped at the amount being channelled, because if the authorities have additional requirements they could apply for more funds from the relevant department or local government division in the ministry.
Also, said Nor Hizwan, in addition to the main allocation, local governments also receive the equivalent of 50 per cent of their electricity bills which can be claimed every year.
Under the Barisan Nasional (BN), allocations for local authorities in opposition states were channelled through their political representatives or division chiefs.
“But under Pakatan Harapan (PH), the allocations will be channelled directly to the local authorities,” he said.
It means that the federal government does not discriminate against any state government including opposition states in the spirit of federalism because Pakatan Harapan “does not want people to be the victims of political conflict”.
Also present at the programme were Sri Aman Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) coordinator Norina Umoi Utot and PKR Sri Aman chairman Yen Jebeni.
